We Have No Idea How God Works

Matthew 16:21 - 23

21From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

22Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

23Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (NIV)

23But Jesus didn’t swerve. “Peter, get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works.” (MSG)

Jesus begins this section of Matthew 16 by telling the disciples of his impending death & resurrection.  I think I would have reacted exactly like Peter did.  “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you.”  I wouldn’t let this happen to you!  Of course we’d be quick to defend and encourage our friend and say those awful things wouldn’t happen. 

But Jesus’ response dropped me to my knees today.  To sum it up – God knows best.  Jesus responded basically saying that Peter had a simple view and understanding but God knew the whole picture.  He knew beginning to end and the reason behind it.

Oh how that can be hard to comprehend and accept.  I like verse 23 in the Message version. “You have no idea how God works.”  The disciples didn’t know Jesus’ torture and death would result in Life for the believing world.  God worked in a crazy, unusual, amazing way! 

God’s working in our lives too.  Through the impending hurts, pain, struggles that we will face or may already be facing.  I have the mind of man so often and want to say “no, I won’t let that happen.”  No.  I don’t want to have a flooded house.  No.  I don’t want Gma’s health to fail.  No.  I don’t want a child with a syndrome and challenges.  The list could go on, and on, and on. 

While verse 23 could give me a bit of fear – that I don’t know what, why, or how; I actually sense peace.  God – our big all seeing, all knowing God who loves me dearly has everything in his hands. And like his big amazing plan that from human eyes just looked like pain and death we now see He used that plan for the most good of all. 

So I trust You, Lord God, with all I face.  Work your plans in and through me.  And may I respond the way You, Lord, would have me respond to the trials I face.